so before I can have right good success in laying the Gospel before them I shall have to learn the language better which I am doing every day. The men in the market take interest in reading the tract I have "Glad Tidings of Great Joy." Once in a while I run onto men who speak English and who are Catholics or Protestants to converted from Mahommedanism. I had a long talk with such a one one day. To him, the Father, Son and H.G. being three distinct personages seemed or appeared to seem---inconsistent; and prophets, apostles, seventies, etc. were unnecessary he said and absurd now-a-days. He said he would believe if I should have Mt. Carmel sink by the next day. I referred him to Christ answering the scribes and Pharisees "an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign." (Matthew 12:38) And I referred him to Ephesians IV 11-14 (read it) and asked him if he knew of a people that were "perfect" yet. They, many, will not accept the Bible---they all believe in the Bible? And they won't accept reason. They just twist in every conceivable unreasonable manner. But of course one has to do his duty and take as much satisfaction from that as he can. The parcels I sent home are all self-explanatory I believe. I will mention though that the white silk handkerchiefs are from India, the striped one from made in Syria Beyrout. I hope Alice will like her beads and that all of you will have passed a pleasant Christmas time. With kind love to your self, Father, Aunt Mary, Grandma and Auntie---and all the folks and every prayer for the loved ones at home. I remain your Aft. Son John

P.S. Those penholders were made at the foot of Mt. Carmel. I had six made on purpose to send home. I am very glad Eugene is attending school. Hope he and Nathan will arrange to go next year to

Provo or S.L. John